PM directs hospitals to stock all essential medicines
DODOMA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed the Ministry of Health, Medical Stores Department (MSD) and all hospitals across the country to prioritise stocking medicines based on the specific needs of their respective areas.
The Premier issued the directive after making an impromptu visit to the Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital yesterday, where he expressed concern over reports that patients are often subjected to full diagnostic procedures only to be advised to purchase medicines elsewhere.
“It is unacceptable for a citizen to undergo all the diagnosis in a government hospital and then be told to buy medicine outside. If private pharmacies can obtain these medicines, how is it that government hospitals cannot? I direct that all hospitals must have medicines,” he stressed.
Dr Nchemba further instructed all hospitals nationwide to ensure that pregnant women receive prompt care immediately upon arrival to safeguard the lives of both mothers and babies.
Speaking to residents outside the facility after visiting patients seeking various medical services, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of maintaining quality service delivery.
He noted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has invested significant resources to strengthen the health sector, including the procurement of medical equipments and essential medicines.
He also directed all hospitals to ensure the availability of emergency personal hygiene supplies, such as buckets and basins, in maternity wards to support expectant mothers who may lack the items.
“Pregnancy is not an emergency. Basic items like buckets should be readily available in our government hospitals,” he stressed.
Dr Mwigulu also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her outstanding efforts in improving health services nationwide. During his visit, citizens informed him that they were receiving proper and attentive care from the hospital staff.
In a related development, the Premier instructed hospitals to adhere strictly to official payment systems when providing services, to enable the government to continue serving citizens effectively. This follows reports that while some facilities receive payments through online platforms, others use informal methods.
Patients and caregivers applauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for ensuring that Tanzanians access quality health services.
“We thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan because we are receiving excellent services, similar to those offered in private hospitals,” said Dinna Enock, a resident of Makulu in Dodoma, who is admitted in the maternity ward.
